State officials, YSRCP leaders grabbing forest land in West Godavari dist: TDP chief Naidu tells Centre

The TDP chief alleged that certain revenue officials with help from forest staff and ruling YSRCP leaders encroached forest land at Allamcherla Rajupalem under T Narasapuram mandal in West Godavari district. He warned that if immediate measures were not taken, then there would be irreparable damage to the ecosystem.

In the letter, Naidu said T Narasapuram mandal is not only a pristine forest area but also a natural habitat for many wild species. He further said that 366.99 acre in the block was notified as a reserve forest area as per the provisions of the AP Forest Act, 1967.

Reacting to Naidu’s allegation, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Environment and Forests P Ramachandra Reddy said the state government has already initiated several measures to prevent encroachment. “The allegation that large parts of the forest in the district are being encroached on is false. We have initiated action against some persons who tried to occupy forest land,” he said.

Naidu said several encroachers have been approaching the Andhra Pradesh High Court with multiple petitions for long by falsely claiming rights on the land. Although the high court has passed an interim order granting status quo, these encroachers are misusing the time available, he further said.

“Now these encroachers are digging bore wells and erecting poles for power supply and are even digging the land clandestinely,” Naidu said.

“What is regrettable is that the ruling YSRCP is supporting them to create revenue records for this land though it belongs to the forest department,’’ the TDP supremo added.

“Ensure that the forest block of Allamcherla Rajupalem is under constant vigil to check any land grabbing,” Naidu told the Centre and added that appropriate action should be initiated against encroachers.